The first chapter of The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards sets the stage for a moving story. I condensed the chapter in my own words; it is southern author, Edwards, who makes the story soar. Be aware, while reading this summary three character-voices alternate.The year is 1964, when a rogue snow storm hits the Lexington night. The same night my wife, a delicate, green-eyed Kentucky flower, decides to go into labor. I am not so sure I’m ready for this. Yes, I’m a doctor, but my calling is bones not babies.
For all my nervousness, this being my first pregnancy, David is solid as the Rock of Gibraltar. He takes my announcement, “the baby is coming,” all in stride. Matter of fact he’s rather slow during my urgency. This man I love, must stop at all red lights; although, we are the only ones in this blanket of snow. “Did you call Bentley?”
There is a lone car in the parking lot when they pull into the clinic. Dr. Bentley is unable to make it; David’s trusted nurse informs him. She being tall and thin with the prettiest pale-blue eyes; eyes that admire David, many say too much. She must be hiding a crush.
Fear eases from the room as the newborn exits his mother’s warm womb. It isn’t an easy delivery, but David’s confidence is ready for future encounters. The baby boy, comfortably clean and bundled, is oblivious to his mother’s shrieks in the next room. It’s not over.
I held my breath with this second birth. The baby, a little girl, was different. She was like the training movies we saw in medical school. She carries an extra chromosome, it is obvious, and heart defects are sure to be her lot. I call out for the nurse.
How can he ask me to do this? Doesn’t the mother have a say? Shouldn’t they think about this for a couple of days before sending the baby to the state hospital? He hands me a piece of paper with a name and address. He gazes into my eyes and I give the slightest okay as my one protest exits, “the snow.”
Now, he must face his wife and tell her the news. He takes her hand of delicate white and feels her fragile state. How does he explain their daughter’s birth defect? “Oh, my love,” he says. “I am so sorry. Our little daughter died as she was born.”
14 comments:
I adored this book when I read it earlier this year. I havea cousin with a syndrome that exhibits as downs syndrome like, and I felt that those who decry the novel as "unrealistic" because of the father's response, don't truly understand even today, the stigma that surrounds these types of disabilities.
It was phenominal.
Dana, we have a lovely park-like institution here in Mississippi that was developed as a community for Down's patients. It's called the Baddour Center. They only take high functioning adults, who then live or share space with other members in their own homes. They are required to work in a FedEx packing or garden department. A truly unique opportunity for these quite fun individuals. The Center is just 7 miles north of our home, and it never fails, we go to the movies on the same night as their residents. :D
I didn't like it as much as I thought I would but I did find it humorous that (I'm trying not to give away the book now) his plan not only backfired but why he did it actually happened to his family. I still don't really understand the significance of the single mother.
Ok, it's really hard to talk about a book without revealing too much, especially this one.
Do we let you know when we've read/reviewed a book from our list? I posted my first yesterday.
gods in Alabama, I read your review this morning Lesley! I believe I now have two of you and I'll feature the books. Didn't live up to the hype, huh? :D
Murf, don't tell me! I deliberately read just a taste so that I'll actually read it before doing the book discussion. I have a terrible habit of reading a book, suggesting it for discussion, and then never picking it back up. Bad, bad, practice when you are the speaker.
murf.....I admire you for finishing a book that didn't totally appeal to you
I will flip read through some books just to see how they end, others I close and move on. This one I closed.
God's In Alabama I enjoyed.
I'm not up to joining challanges but I sure do like visiting book blogs for ideas to add to my reading list.
I enjoyed this book
I cannot tell you how many times I picked this book up - but, never bought it! After your little post...I need to make a run to Barnes & Noble....
I wonder how many listeners sit there and wonder if they picked up the wrong edition since the book they read is nothing like the one that you're speaking about. :-)
I've heard about The Memory Keeper's Daughter and have not been able to bring myself to buy it. It sounds so sad.
Thank yew for stopping by Elizabeth.
My Utopia, thank yew, too. I noticed you celebrated it's 100 week on the bestsellers list. It looks like it will be a great discussion book since the comments suggest a love/hate book club relationship.
I think you'll like it Kelly. Pick up something for me. Make it southern! :D
Murf, I usually remember enough to stay out of trouble. It's the details that make me look like a fool.
Carol, I haven't had that type vibe. Give it a try...
i really enjoyed this book. I thought it did a great job of showing how one choice can really change the course of life for many people.
SHe did a good job of not making a villan out of any of the characters as well.
Loved that book!!!
Post a Comment